President-Elect Trump Threatens "All Hell" If Hostages Remain Unreleased

President-elect Donald Trump has reiterated his previous threats, stating that "all hell will break out" if the hostages held in Gaza are not released by the time he takes office on January 20th. Trump made these remarks while speaking alongside Steve Witkoff, the special envoy to the Middle East who has been involved in cease-fire negotiations with the Biden administration, Egypt, Qatar, Israel, and Hamas.

Trump was initially asked about his threats, which he first made in early December, directed at the Hamas terrorist organization that continues to hold approximately 96 hostages. Of these hostages, only 50 are believed to be alive, including three Americans.

"All hell will break out," Trump stated, adding, "If those hostages aren't back – I don't want to hurt your negotiation – if they're not back by the time I get into office, all hell will break out in the Middle East." He made this statement in reference to Witkoff, who is currently leading cease-fire negotiations.

When pressed by a reporter to clarify his meaning, Trump responded, "Do I have to define it for you?" He then added, "I don't have to say any more, but that's what it is."

Witkoff, who is scheduled to travel to the Middle East on Tuesday or Wednesday, expressed optimism about the possibility of securing a cease-fire in the near future. He noted that there has been "some really great progress" in the negotiations and expressed hope that they will be able to "announce some good things on behalf of the president" by the time of the inauguration.

Despite the ongoing negotiations, the situation remains dire for the hostages. In addition to the roughly 50 individuals believed to be alive and in Hamas captivity, the terrorist group is also believed to be holding at least 38 who were killed while in captivity. Additionally, at least seven hostages are believed to have been killed on October 7th, 2023, and then taken into Gaza.